After The Awakening | ONC 2023

Epilogue

'Police are still investigating if the destruction of the A.T.F testing ground two weeks ago was related to the substantial amount of documents that were leaked to the worldwide press only a few minutes before. We now pass to our reporter at the testing ground. Bill?'

'Here, Julia, and I'm joined by Detective Inspector Hazafi. Detective, what are your thoughts at this stage?'

'At this stage, we believe that there is a distinct possibility that the leaked documents were uploaded from this facility, but we are waiting on conclusive evidence before we confirm.'

'And the testing facility? Is it true that it's linked to the Bureau?'

'Unfortunately, our sources have confirmed that it was equipped with items created exclusively by the Bureau. We have already made significant arrests regarding the fact that official channels did not clear a facility of this nature.'

'You're referring to Colin Durell, our Prime Minister. Natasha Pullman, head of Europek one of the leading tech companies in the UK. And Paul Mint, one of the wealthiest men in Europe?'

'Your sources are unimpeachable, Bill.'

'And what about the rumours relating to the Bureau's Director, James O'Deary?'

'Mr O'Deary has been stripped of his position as the leaked documents implicated him and many senior Bureau officials in the events leading up to the Awakening. But at the moment, his whereabouts are unknown.'

'But you can confirm that the leaked documents have been authenticated?'

'We have, Bill. And at this time I would ask every UK citizen to remain calm. Human and vampire. This is a new situation we find ourselves in. Our trusted allies have become enemies and our enemies may, in fact, turn out to become our greatest allies.'

Ray shook her head and switched off the television. 'I still can't believe Aldrick leaked all those files. But it might actually be the start of something good. Maybe people won't see vampires as the bad guys all the time. Not when we were all being manipulated.'

She looked over her shoulder. 'Are you going to accept their position? A new and improved Bureau? One that protects everyone's interest.'

Xavier stepped out of the bedroom, his red eyes glowing in the dim light.

'A Chief officer to liaise with the vampires and the humans? Not sure that's me, kid.'

'Hey, they said I could be your partner since I'm a big thing in the vampire leagues. I can't take it without you,' she complained.

'And that's what you want to do. Keep the peace?'

'Who else is going to keep the devils in Hell if we don't?' she reasoned.

Xavier chuckled and tucked in his shirt. 'Then if we do this, we stick to the rules. Lots of people are going to be gunning for us since we survived the explosions.'

Ray frowned. 'I don't want to hide. I want to help. There's a lot of people who are scared and frightened. Human and vampire. I'm not running from them.'

Xavier watched her for a moment before throwing a clean shirt her way. A smile stretched across his face when she grimaced at him.

'Then you know what to do. Watch, plan...'

'Survive,' she agreed.